The Community Development Institute recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of transformative impact on communities nationwide. Founded in Conway at the University of Central Arkansas, CDI originated as a local initiative and grew to seven locations across the country, expanding its reach and influence throughout the years.
At the heart of CDI’s mission is the drive to equip community leaders and economic development professionals with the tools and strategies needed to build vibrant, successful communities.
First, as Arkansas Power & Light, we played a significant role in establishing CDI back four decades ago. We have continued our involvement and commitment including graduating over 30 employees through the program, two in 2026This participation reflected a deep investment in nurturing leadership within the communities they served.
Each graduating class votes for its most impactful classmate as the recipient of the Earnst Whitelaw Award, an honor named after an AP&L employee known as one of CDI’s godfathers. Amanda Killingsworth was recognized with this distinguished award in 2025, carrying forward the tradition of excellence and leadership.Tannella Gauthreaux-Foster was the award recipient for 2026.
Over the years, Entergy personnel served as speakers, advisory board members, class directors, and volunteers, illustrating the strength of CDI’s community partnerships. Of particular note, Danny Games, vice president of business and economic development, actively contributes as a speaker, sharing expertise and helping guide the program’s direction. Alongside Games, Tandee White, Chris Wasson, and Bill Luther (retiree) also serve as class directors and advisory board members.
Throughout CDI’s history, both AP&L and/or Entergy sponsored scholarships to enable community representatives to attend and bring valuable insights back to their organizations. This ongoing support ensures the benefits of CDI reach a broad range of leaders and communities regardless of socioeconomic hurdles.
As CDI commemorated this remarkable milestone, the Institute’s enduring legacy was evident in its network of passionate professionals dedicated to economic and community development. Entergy’s continued involvement and investment in CDI highlights the collaborative spirit and commitment that has shaped CDI’s journey and Entergy partnership in its success.
Congratulations to CDI, its alumni, and all those whose contributions have inspired community progress for 40 years. Looking ahead, equipping community leaders and economic development professionals with the right tools and resources will be essential to sustaining Arkansas’s momentum.
By strengthening local capacity and fostering collaboration across regions, these leaders can help drive innovation, attract investment, and create new opportunities for residents. Empowering them ensures that the state’s growth continues to align with our Next Generation Arkansas “Job Power” pillar that focuses on building a resilient workforce and thriving communities that can adapt to the challenges and possibilities of the next decade.
